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Neurodiversity Parenting Neurodiversity, Parenting List of NGOs that work with Autistic children in India Top NGOs supporting Autistic children and their families in India < Back Load more

Much Much Spectrum Diversity Equity Inclusion at Work The first report in a 3-part series based on #ChatterFest '23 Ummeed CDC Samjho aur Samjhao Demystifying Neurodiversity for families who are underprivileged with Ummeed CDC HT Parekh Foundation, Ummeed CDC Developmental Disabilities India - I A multi-platform campaign championing inclusion and creativity for neurodiverse youth EMpower, Yash Charitable Trust The Disability Roundtable Real stories, real impact: Changing views on disability in India Yash Charitable Trust, IP Integrated Services Pvt Ltd Breaking Barriers, Building Careers Enabling inclusion and employment for persons with disabilities Ummeed CDC Me As Me: Celebrating Self Acceptance Celebrating individuality and self-acceptance NCPEDP Right To Rights: Awareness to Action Empowering persons with disabilities through legal awareness < Back Load more

< Back Developmental Disabilities India - I A multi-platform campaign championing inclusion and creativity for neurodiverse youth The Developmental Disabilities India campaign was initiated by Ummeed Child Development Center to address the pressing issues faced by individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in India. Our focus areas were chosen based on primary research that identified two topics: bullying and the role of art in therapy. Extensive secondary and primary research, a culture sweep, and social listening informed the campaign. Key insights included: 70% of autistic individuals experience bullying, with 40% facing it daily and 33% two to three times per week. Art therapy significantly reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress by 73%. Neurodivergent individuals are up to 150% more likely to be self-employed, entrepreneurs, or artists. These statistics highlighted the urgent need for awareness and support mechanisms for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing both the negative impacts of bullying and the positive potential of art therapy. Our approach: Much Much Spectrum, in collaboration with HT Parekh Foundation and Ummeed Child Development Center, developed a comprehensive, 'Hinglish' campaign to capture and communicate the lived experiences of young people with disabilities. The campaign leveraged lived experience storytelling to authentically portray these experiences and highlight the importance of empathy and inclusion. Objective & goals: The primary objective was to raise awareness about developmental disabilities, address the issues of bullying, and promote the benefits of art therapy. The goals included: Increasing understanding and empathy Driving engagement through authentic storytelling Providing valuable resources for parents and professionals Challenges addressed: A lack of awareness and understanding of developmental disabilities High incidence of bullying among neurodivergent individuals Need for positive representation and support for artistic expression in the disability community Solutions devised: Target Audience: Adolescents (11 - 16), young adults (17 - 25), and parents & caregivers of individuals aged 12 - 35, from both metro and non-metro areas. Narrative: Focused on lived experiences, featuring neurodivergent individuals telling their own stories to ensure authenticity and relatability. Topicality: Timed to coincide with Neurodiversity Celebration Week , World Down Syndrome Day , and Autism Awareness Month to maximize relevance and impact. Deliverables: Films x 2 Ancillary assets: 5 x carousel posts 8 x reels 10 x stories Platforms: YouTube for hosting educational and awareness videos Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) for broadening reach and engagement Campaign content was strategically released over a 2-month period to maintain consistent engagement Length: Timelines: 2-month campaign duration Key events: Neurodiversity Celebration Week, World Down Syndrome Day, and Autism Awareness Month Impact: 2.5 million+ views 5,000+ shares 7 million+ reach Positive reception with numerous comments highlighting empathy and authenticity Increased search spikes and engagement metrics indicated strong audience interest and involvement Media & events: Featured in Mid-Day, highlighting the campaign’s impact and reach Conclusion & learnings: The campaign successfully met its objectives, raising measured awareness and fostering a supportive community dialogue around developmental disabilities. Authentic portrayals and strategic timing contributed to overcoming the initial challenges and achieving widespread engagement and positive feedback. Way forward: Continue expanding the range of resources on the Developmental Disabilities India YouTube channel. Plan future campaigns to address additional pertinent topics within the disability community. Strengthen partnerships with other organizations and stakeholders to amplify the campaign’s impact and reach. Utilize feedback and data from this campaign to refine future strategies and approaches for even greater effectiveness. WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link Much much relate? Share it now! < Back CAMPAIGNS

< Back Right To Rights: Awareness to Action Empowering persons with disabilities through legal awareness The "Right to Rights" campaign was launched to mark World Disability Day 2022 , aiming to bridge the gap between the existing legal framework and the actual awareness and implementation of disability rights in India. Despite the enactment of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, many disabled individuals and the general population remain unaware of the rights and provisions stipulated in the Act. The campaign sought to educate, advocate for, and enable persons with disabilities to know their rights and have agency in their lives. Data & insights: secondary research, culture sweep, and social listening: Few states have fully implemented the RPwD Act, 2016 with many lagging in notifying state rules and taking necessary actions Government websites and online services often do not comply with accessibility standards, hindering access to essential services The mandated 4% reservation in government jobs for persons with disabilities is inconsistently implemented, with many posts remaining unfilled Employed individuals with disabilities face inadequate workplace accommodations, impacting productivity and inclusion Many educational institutions lack necessary infrastructure like ramps, accessible toilets, and learning materials There is a significant shortage of trained special educators Access to specialized healthcare is limited, especially in rural areas, with a shortage of medical professionals and rehabilitation services Healthcare facilities often lack accessibility, and healthcare professionals are not adequately trained to meet the needs of persons with disabilities There is a general lack of awareness about the RPwD Act among the public and officials, leading to poor enforcement Obtaining justice and enforcement of rights is slow, delaying the provision of benefits and services Comprehensive data on persons with disabilities is lacking, hampering effective policy-making and monitoring Inadequate mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the Act's implementation result in inconsistencies across states Our Approach: Our approach centered on leveraging multi-format and cross-platform content to reach a diverse audience, including policymakers, educators, employers, and the general public. We aimed to have data-driven stories lead the way in highlighting the gaps in the implementation of disability rights, and advocating for better awareness and enforcement of the law through informative and engaging content. Campaign objectives & goals: To educate persons with disabilities and the general population about the rights of disabled people as listed down under the RPwD Act, 2016 To start an ongoing campaign advocating for the proper implementation of disability rights To enable persons with disabilities to assert their rights and seek the necessary accommodations Challenges: Lack of awareness about disability rights among the general population and officials Inconsistent implementation of the RPwD Act across states Limited accessibility of online content and services Solutions devised: Target Audience: policymakers, educators, employers, government officials, and the general Indian public Narrative: focusing on personal stories and topics obtained through data-driven insights, and expert opinions to highlight the importance of disability rights and the gaps in their implementation Topicality: addressing key areas such as education, employment, accessibility, and sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) of persons with disabilities Deliverables: 6 x social media posts 5 x social media reels Platforms: LinkedIn: to speak to professionals and policymakers Instagram and Facebook: to speak to a broad audience Length: The campaign ran for one month leading up to and following World Disability Day, 2022. Content was posted daily to maintain engagement and momentum. Impact: Views: 2 million+ views across platforms (with one reel crossing 1.3 million views, 3000+ shares and 250+ comments) Reach: 4 million+ Shares: 10k+ Engagement: Overwhelmingly positive comments, indicating a deep understanding and empathy towards the highlighted topics Virality: a reel on SRHR for women with disabilities went viral, significantly amplifying the campaign's reach Conclusion & learnings: Successfully raised awareness about disability rights and the RPwD Act, with a combined reach of 4 million+, enhancing public understanding and engagement through strategic content dissemination Multi-format, cross-platform strategies are effective in reaching diverse audiences and generating traction to impactful conversations Way Forward: Continue to create and share content that educates and advocates for disability rights, working with policymakers to ensure the full implementation of the RPwD Act across all states Fostering a community of advocates and allies who can support ongoing and future initiatives WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link Much much relate? 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< Back Me As Me: Celebrating Self Acceptance Celebrating individuality and self-acceptance The "Me As Me" campaign was developed to address the pervasive marginalization and underrepresentation of neurodivergent and disabled individuals in media, workplaces, and society at large. The focus was on elevating voices from the South Asian context, particularly India, to showcase our lived experiences and challenging societal perceptions. The topics of navigating puberty, self-identity, dating, and entrepreneurship were chosen due to their critical importance in the lives of young neurodivergent and disabled individuals, areas often fraught with unique challenges and societal stigma. Relevant data & insights: Women with disabilities hold only 2.3% of decision-making positions globally​​ Disabled women face a significantly higher risk of violence compared to non-disabled women. Autistic teenagers experience heightened sensory sensitivities and social interaction difficulties, increasing the risk of bullying​. ADHD teenagers struggle with impulse control and emotional regulation during puberty​. Individuals with autism find romantic relationships challenging due to difficulties with social cues and communication​​. Autistic women often engage in masking behaviors , leading to increased stress and mental health issues. Disabled entrepreneurs face barriers such as limited access to funding and societal stigma , which hinder business growth​. Our approach: We aimed to provide an authentic platform for neurodivergent and disabled individuals to share their stories, emphasizing their strengths, challenges, and aspirations. The campaign was structured to create a multi-format, cross-platform narrative that would engage a diverse audience and foster greater understanding and empathy. Campaign objective & goals: To raise awareness about the challenges faced by neurodivergent and disabled individuals. Promote better support systems for disabled and neurodivergent entrepreneurs Increase representation of neurodivergent individuals in media and workplaces. Educate parents, teachers, and caregivers on the needs of neurodivergent youth during puberty. Challenges: Ensuring authentic representation of diverse experiences. Addressing societal stigma and misconceptions. Reaching and engaging a wide, diverse audience. Solutions devised: Target audience: young adults on the neurodiversity spectrum or identifying as neurodivergent, caregivers, educators, parents, caregivers, business leaders, investors, and the general public. Narrative: centered around lived experiences, the narrative was designed to be both educational and empathetic. Topicality: focused on timely and relevant issues such as identity, mental health, friendships, love, dating, and entrepreneurship, and released around Neurodiversity Celebration Week. Deliverables: Short documentary films x 2: 'Unmasking Autism' and 'Entrepreneurs with Autism, ADHD & Down Syndrome'. Ancillary assets: 5+ x reels 10+ x carousel posts 15+ x stories Platforms: YouTube: For broad reach and accessibility. LinkedIn: Targeting professionals and business leaders. Instagram & Facebook: Engaging a wider, younger audience through visual storytelling. Length: The campaign ran for over 3 months, with continuous engagement and content updates to maintain traction and visibility. Impact: Views: 500,000+ Reach: 1 million+ across social platforms. Engagement: 1k+ shares , 500+ comments highlighting empathy and understanding. Reception: Overwhelmingly positive, praised for authentic portrayals and sensitivity. Media & Ancillary Extensions: “Unmasking Autism” was screened at the Pride Filmtage Bremen Film Festival in Germany, 2023. The campaign was featured in a half-page article in the popular Mumbai tabloid Mid-Day. Learnings: The campaign successfully met its objectives of raising awareness and fostering empathy among its intended audience. Challenges were effectively addressed through thoughtful storytelling and strategic dissemination of multi-format content. Continuous engagement and authentic representation were key to the campaign’s success. Way forward: Expanding the campaign to include more stories and voices from the neurodivergent and disabled communities. Developing additional educational resources for parents, educators, and employers. Continuing to foster partnerships with organizations to support inclusive practices and policies. Exploring new platforms and media formats to reach an even broader audience. By creating a platform for neurodivergent and disabled individuals to share their stories, the 'Me As Me' campaign has taken a significant step towards inclusivity and representation. The continued efforts will aim to build on this foundation, driving further change and awareness. WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link Much much relate? Share it now! < Back CAMPAIGNS

< Back Samjho aur Samjhao Demystifying Neurodiversity for families who are underprivileged with Ummeed CDC We developed this campaign in collaboration with Ummeed CDC, a Mumbai-based non-profit. One of the main reasons behind it was our research and social listening showed us that there is a significant lack of awareness and understanding about Autism and Down Syndrome in low-income and underprivileged communities in India. Existing resources are often not culturally or linguistically accessible to these families, and - in a lot of cases - not affirming enough. There is a dire need to address and correct common myths and misconceptions about developmental and intellectual disabilities. Data & existing perceptions: Studies and existing research indicates that awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity are low in India, especially in rural and low-income areas. Through social listening and interactions with our online community and families, we identified some specific myths and misconceptions prevalent in these communities, such as viewing Autism as bad behavior or believing Down Syndrome prevents access to a successful career. The insights: Many parents believe in the myth that Autism can be cured with traditional medicine or behavioral corrections. There's a prevailing misconception that children with Down Syndrome cannot lead successful professional lives. A significant number of families mourn the birth of a child with Down Syndrome, rather than celebrating the child’s birth. In a lot of families, mothers are blamed for the birth of a child with Down Syndrome, or an Autistic child. Our approach: Wanting to address Hindi-speaking low income families through easy-to-understand literature, we created a docket of illustrations, comics and stories that resonated with the lived experiences of Indian families. Our focus was on educational content that not only informed but also celebrated neurodiversity, highlighting strengths and capabilities. Apart from ensuring their use as physical fliers and print-outs to put up on pin boards at the center, we also uploaded these resources and content to multiple social media channels to ensure wide reach and engagement. Campaign objective & goals: To educate and raise awareness among low-income and underprivileged families about Autism and Down Syndrome. Goals: Demystify disabilities and bust common myths surrounding neurodivergent conditions. Provide culturally relevant resources. Engage and educate a wide audience. Challenges: Ensuring the content was culturally appropriate and sensitive. Making sure the information was accessible in Hindi, addressing the lack of affirming resources in regional languages. Solutions devised: Our narratives, language and campaign material were designed to speak to low-income families, families from tier1, 2, and 3 cities, and rural areas, as well as underprivileged Hindi-speaking families, and the general audience. All 10 stories put together as part of the campaign had positive and affirming messages about neurodiversity, focusing on strengths and capabilities. We addressed the specific myths that our research showed, and provided factual, easy-to-understand information about Autism and Down Syndrome. Deliverables: 3 x carousel posts (engaging illustrations & comics to engage the audience) 6 x static posts (graphical illustrations and explainers) Platforms: Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn: chosen for their wide reach and ability to engage diverse audiences Offline spaces: Resource kits were distributed at Ummeed CDC centers and events Length: The campaign ran consistently for a period of 3 months Content was released periodically to maintain engagement Impact: High engagement across social media platforms Consistent traction and sharing on WhatsApp and Facebook groups Overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents and caregivers Conclusion & learnings: Successfully raised awareness and educated target audience, effectively addressing cultural and language barriers Demonstrated the importance of culturally relevant and accessible content in driving engagement and education Way forward: Continue to create and share educational content t argeting more communities and regions, including other regional languages Partner with more organizations to amplify impact WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link Much much relate? Share it now! < Back CAMPAIGNS

< Back Breaking Barriers, Building Careers Enabling inclusion and employment for persons with disabilities 'Breaking Barriers, Building Careers' focuses on promoting employment opportunities for persons with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The cross-format campaign - developed by Much Much Spectrum and facilitated by Yash Charitable Trust and IP Integrated Services Pvt Ltd - highlights the importance of inclusion, skill development, and supported employment programs to ensure individuals with disabilities can live and work with dignity and self-respect to create an inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Data & insights: According to the 2011 Census, only 36% of the 26 million disabled individuals in India are employed. Gender disparity is significant, with 47% male and only 23% female participation. Misconceptions persist that individuals with disabilities are unemployable, despite strong evidence to the contrary. The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2021-2022 shows a higher unemployment rate for persons with disabilities compared to the general population, highlighting systemic barriers. Despite the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 mandating a 4% reservation in government jobs, implementation varies widely, with many positions unfilled due to administrative inefficiencies and lack of awareness. Workplace accommodations are often lacking, preventing optimal performance and inclusion for employees with disabilities. Societal attitudes and stereotypes result in discrimination during hiring processes, with biases against the capabilities of persons with disabilities. Limited access to quality education and vocational training restricts employability, as inclusive education and skills development programs are not widely available or adequately implemented. Effective support programs for job searching, application processes, and workplace adjustments are scarce, exacerbating employment challenges. Higher levels of poverty and economic insecurity among persons with disabilities limit access to resources needed for job searches and professional development. Our approach: We adopted a data-driven, social impact-led approach to highlight the journey of individuals with disabilities, from skills development to meaningful employment. By documenting their experiences and the support provided by YCT, we aimed to address common misconceptions and promote inclusive hiring practices. Campaign objective & goals: To promote employment opportunities for persons with developmental and intellectual disabilities. To showcase the impact of meaningful employment on the lives of these people To encourage employers to hire individuals with disabilities and reach out to YCT for help, support and sensitization sessions. Challenges: Overcoming societal stereotypes and biases against employing individuals with disabilities. Ensuring widespread dissemination of the campaign message to reach target audiences. Solutions devised: Target audience: employers, HR professionals, recruitment agencies, and senior leaders. Narrative: chronicling the stories of individuals with disabilities at their workplaces, showcasing their skills and the support provided by YCT. Topicality: emphasizing the importance of inclusive hiring practices and the benefits of a diverse workforce. Deliverables: Films x 2: documenting the journey of individuals with disabilities Ancillary assets: 5 x social media posts 10 x stories Platforms: Multi-format, cross-platform campaign distributed on social media, websites, and partner channels, including LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and company websites to maximize reach and engagement. Timelines: The campaign ran for over a month with consistent traction and engagement. Impact: Reactions from corporate leaders, employers, and caregivers. 10x increased awareness and inquiries about YCT’s programs. Positive feedback and support from the community. Learnings: Successfully promoted employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and encouraged inclusive hiring practices. Increased awareness and positive perception of the capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Way forward: Continue promoting inclusive hiring practices through ongoing content creation and partnerships. Expand the campaign to include more sectors and geographical regions. Develop additional support programs for employers and individuals with disabilities to facilitate successful employment. Monitor and analyze the long-term impact of the campaign to refine strategies and approaches. WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link Much much relate? Share it now! < Back CAMPAIGNS

< Back The Disability Roundtable Real stories, real impact: Changing views on disability in India The Disability Roundtable campaign addressed the marginalization and workforce underrepresentation of the Indian disability community. It aimed to dismantle misconceptions about people with disabilities, specifically: Highlighting the false notion that disabled people are unemployable. Challenging the view of disabled individuals as burdens or objects of charity. Shifting the narrative from seeing disabled people solely as inspirational figures to recognizing them as well-rounded individuals. Countering the misconception that disabled people are incapable of love, dating, relationships, marriage, or family. Existing data on these topics: According to the 2011 census, 36% of the 26 million disabled individuals in India are employed. However, a significant gender gap exists here with 47% male and only 23% female participation. There is a widespread misconception that people with disabilities are unemployable. This stigma exists due to a lack of awareness about the abilities and strengths of disabled individuals. Disabled individuals are often viewed through a lens of pity and charity rather than respect and opportunity. Cultural narratives often paint disabled people as inspirational figures overcoming immense odds, but it’s crucial to see them as individuals with diverse aspirations and capabilities. Many disabled individuals face infantilization, undermining their autonomy, and are often considered unfit for relationships, marriage, or parenting. Our approach: Leading with lived experience, we featured seven self-advocates with intellectual and developmental disabilities sharing their stories. The campaign was designed to challenge misconceptions, highlight the capabilities and strengths of these individuals, and promote inclusive employment practices within corporates. Objective & goals: To promote better support systems for disabled individuals. To increase the representation of disabled people in the workforce. To foster inclusive work cultures and policies. To enable and empower self-advocacy among disabled individuals. Challenges: Raising awareness about a complex and often marginalized topic. Countering deeply ingrained stigma and societal beliefs. Engaging a diverse target audience. Solutions devised: To bring in corporate leaders, recruiters, parents, caregivers, and the general public unfamiliar with the experiences of disabled individuals in India we decided to highlight the personal stories of the 7 self-advocates, focusing on their dreams, ambitions, career choices, and the societal barriers they face. The topics that our research showed us as relevant in this space included careers, relationships, and social inclusion. Campaign deliverables: 1 x short film Ancillary assets: 4 x carousel posts 10 x reels 8 x stories Campaign channels & specifics: Social media platforms (Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook) and community forums. To maximize reach and engagement across different audience segments. Continuous release over a quarter to maintain consistent traction and engagement. Timelines & Duration: The campaign spanned 3 months, with regular updates and content releases to sustain engagement. Impact: Views: 750K+ Shares: 1,000+ Reach: 1.5million+ Engagement: Overwhelmingly positive comments, highlighting a deep understanding and empathy towards the topics. Analysis: Positive reception for authentic portrayals and sensitivity in depicting a diverse range of lived experiences. Conclusion & learnings: The campaign successfully accomplished its objectives by promoting inclusivity and self-advocacy. Authentic storytelling resonated deeply with the audience, leading to a significant shift in perceptions around disabled employability and the strengths of neurodivergent people. Focus on lived experiences and engaging narratives helped rope in a diverse general audience. Way forward: Widening the scope of the campaign to include more self-advocates from different regions, backgrounds, nationalities, skills and marginalized identities. Developing additional content focused on specific issues like education, healthcare, and legal rights. Continuing partnerships with corporate leaders to implement inclusive policies and practices. Exploring potential partnerships with other disability rights organizations. WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link Much much relate? Share it now! < Back CAMPAIGNS

< Back Diversity Equity Inclusion at Work The first report in a 3-part series based on #ChatterFest '23 Chatter Fest is a global inclusion festival where professionals, creatives, people with lived experience, and leaders from around the globe come together to discuss all things inclusion. Click below to download the report: MMS_DEI-at-work_ChatterFest-23_2024 .pdf Download PDF • 5.22MB WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link Much much relate? Share it now! < Back CAMPAIGNS